Talking to your children about weight and health

As children develop and mature at varying rates throughout childhood, generalizing advice is not advised. With that in mind, this guide is specifically created for parents with children who are 7-11 years old.

Secrets to a successful talk – a quick roadmap to the situations and responses

Below is a list of seven real-world situations that a parent or other adult caregiver is likely to face when it comes to questions about weight and/or obesity from a child. For each, you will find educational information for you and then suggestions for how you might respond. The tips encourage you to:

“Whether your child is dealing with a bully or struggling with body image, supporting your child will go a long way to building confidence and self-esteem.”

Before we get to WHAT to say, here are some things to keep in mind about HOW to say it: